2011 Mock Draft

The college football season kicks off tonight, and I think that means the time is ripe for a mock draft. Yes, that’s how I roll. Previously when I did a quasi-mock/draft preview, I didn’t try to predict the draft order. But now that the NFL season is almost upon us, I’m ready to guess how teams may finish. Coupled with the fact that I’ve watched quite a bit of tape of many of these top prospects during the summer, I’m ready to throw out the first real mock draft of the year. An asterisk (*) indicates an underclassman.

8. Kansas City Chiefs – OLB Akeem Ayers, UCLA*
Athletic pass rusher to help out their poor defense.9. Arizona Cardinals – QB Christian Ponder, Florida State
A better prospect than either Leinart or Anderson.10. Jacksonville Jaguars – CB Patrick Peterson, LSU*
Big, athletic corner that should help their secondary.11. Denver Broncos – DE Adrian Clayborn, Iowa
Adds some needed youth and athleticism up front for them.12. Washington Redskins – RB Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech*
Explosive back is a very good fit in Shanahan’s offense.13. Chicago Bears – WR Julio Jones, Alabama*
They hope a big play target like Jones can get Cutler out of his funk.14. Houston Texans – DT Jurrell Casey, USC*
Should give them a good interior pass rusher to tag team with Williams.15. Carolina Panthers – DT Marcell Dareus, Alabama*
A good interior presence that should help out their line.

OL Orlando Franklin

16. Cincinnati Bengals – ILB Don’ta Hightower, Alabama
Perhaps he’s as good as McClain.17. Tennessee Titans – CB Aaron Williams, Texas*
They need some help in their secondary.18. New York Giants – OT Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin
Gets them back to pounding the rock.19. Philadelphia Eagles – CB Brandon Harris, Miami*
Athletic corner should be a good fit opposite Samuel.20. Pittsburgh Steelers – OG Orlando Franklin, Miami
Big guy that can play either guard or tackle for them.21. New York Jets – S Rahim Moore, UCLA*
Gives them a ballhawk in the secondary.22. Minnesota Vikings – OC Mike Pouncey, Florida
Potentially as good a center as his brother.23. San Francisco 49ers – QB Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State*
He’ll be groomed behind Alex Smith for a few years.